Why Learn Python

Open Source Your Knowledge, Become a Contributor

Why Learn Python

Python is a general purpose programming language. Created nearly 30 years ago, it is now one of the most popular language according to the TIOBE index. Its popularity is particularly important in the data science and machine learning fields. But it is also a language easy to learn, this explains why it has become the language the most taught in universities.

Python is easy to learn

Python has a simple syntax that makes it suitable for learning programming as a first language. The learning curve is smoother than other languages such as Java, which quickly requires learning about Object Oriented Programming or C/C++ that requires to understand pointers. Still, it's possible to learn about OOP or functional programming in Python when the time comes.

Python provides a well-furnished standard library and many external libraries are available. This allows to quickly develop concrete applications. Actually, developping a small project is a good way to stay motivated and keep learning!

What is python used for?

Web Development, using the frameworks Django, Flask, Pylons

Data Science and Visualization using Numpy, Pandas and Matplotlib

Machine learning with Tensorflow and Scikit-learn

Desktop applications with PyQt, Gtk, wxWidgets and many more

Mobile applications using Kivy or BeeWare

Education: Python is a great language to learn programming!

Python is a powerful language

Python is an Object Oriented Programming language. It even allows you to create classes with multiple inheritance.

Python offers the necessary features to allow you to program in functional programming: lambda, map, filter, reduce, partial...

Python checks the type of the variables during runtime, this makes the declaration of variable easier. But it's also possible to do static typing to catch potential bugs sooner.